FLEETS failing to replace damaged glass on vehicles are losing millions of pounds at auction time, new research has revealed. A survey of 365 fleets totalling 76,000 vehicles showed 76% of fleet managers did not prepare their cars at all before disposal.

The research, carried out by the Centre for Automotive Industries Management at Nottingham Business School and backed by HSBC Vehicle Finance, estimates fleet managers could be losing as much as £8,664,000. Ian Carlisle, managing director of Autoglass, said: 'Fleet managers could increase residual values by over £8 million by repairing damaged glass before cars are auctioned.'

Craig Adamson, fleet editor of CAP Black Book, said: 'Buyers will knock off up to £150 when they see a vehicle has damaged glass so it's worth spending money on a car to ensure it fetches its best price.'

He added: 'Cars in CAP clean condition are making extremely strong money. Anything less than CAP clean loses out considerably.'

Adrian Rushmore, chief car editor for Glass's Information Service, said he was surprised that fleets were ignoring the advice offered to them by the industry. 'It would appear fleets have not considered the cost against the benefits,' he said. 'Lots of auctions offer valeting and repair services which are proven to pay for themselves.'